A wildfire near a coal mine in Western Slope has caused the closure of a state highway between Meeker and Craig, officials confirmed on Friday. Moffat County fire crews were alerted to a brush fire burning near the Colowyo Mine off of Colorado 13 at 2:32 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office. The fire is located about a mile west of the coal mine’s guard shack near the highway and County Road 17.
Colorado 13 has been shut down in both directions due to the fire, with the closure extending between Nine Mile Gap and County Road 180, which is 14 miles north of Meeker. The fire, estimated at 100 acres, has an unknown cause. Firefighters from the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management, and Craig are actively working to contain the fire.
The situation is being closely monitored and is a developing story, with updates likely to come. For more detailed information and live updates on wildfires in Colorado, you can visit the Bureau of Land Management’s fire dashboard. Stay informed about the latest news by signing up for the Mile High Roundup email newsletter.
As wildfires continue to pose a threat across the state, it is essential to stay vigilant and prepared for any potential evacuation orders or road closures. Your safety is of utmost importance, so make sure to follow any instructions given by local authorities and fire officials. Stay tuned for further updates on this wildfire incident near the Colowyo Mine.
